GF Dining Spree: The Pfunky Griddle Restaurant, Nashville, TN

It’s not every day that a business major college student is handed a thriving business. So when Matthew Pfuntner’s mother told him she didn’t want the Pfunky Griddle family restaurants in Nashville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee and offered them to him, he was elated. That was four and a half years ago.

“She’d had a bad experience juggling her catering and the restaurants. She knew the quality would drop if she kept it,” Pfuntner recalls.

The original restaurant was opened as a collaboration between his grandparents and mother. His grandfather made the tables in the first location, with a stainless steel griddle built right in. Unlike traditional pancake houses, the Pfunky Griddle offers guests a fun, family-oriented experience. It’s also very inexpensive, perfect for families watching their budget.

“There’s a griddle in the middle of the table set at 375. Guests show up and servers bring out the batter pitchers and toppings in 2 ounce portion cups. It’s really fun!” Pfuntner exclaimed.

Almost as soon as the restaurants were his, he started offering gluten-free batter for the pancakes, as well as gluten-free toppings, sandwiches, and French toast. At that time, the wheat free diet was more of a fad and customers were requesting it. Two or so years later, Celiac disease started to flood health media.

“We have separate mixers and pitchers [for maintain gluten-free seperation],” Pfuntner said. “We also make it in small batches. It takes a little longer, but it’s made right.”

In addition to separate mixers and pitchers for gluten-avoiding patrons, they also provide a Tephlon pan to put on the table grills so there’s no cross contamination. The same batter they use for Celiac or gluten abstaining customers is also used for other food allergies.

“It’s a vegan base. Since its mixed right then, we can use soy or almond milk [for dairy avoiders] or whatever you need,” Pfuntner stated.

When Pfuntner heard that our readers request for Tennessee area lead to this Dining Spree feature, he was excited to offer you all a PfunkyGriddle_coupon for a $1 off GF Pancake Order. Print it out, take it with you, and be sure to tell them Gluten-free-bread.org sent you!

About the author

E. G. Moore is a freelancer and ghostwriter specializing in the health and wellness niche. She’s been featured on xojane.com, and her essay Wearing Teresa’s Boots is scheduled to be published in Hope Paige’s Anthology on Loss in 2015. Please check out her website: www.emilygmoorewriter.blogspot.com.